Stomach: Anatomy, Function, Diagram, Parts Of, Structure

Overview

• The stomach is a J-shaped organ involved in digestion, producing enzymes and acids to break down food.
• Part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small & large intestines, and rectum.

Function of the Stomach

Primary Functions

• Storage: Temporarily stores food.
• Digestion: Contracts and relaxes to mix and break down food.
• Production: Produces enzymes and specialized cells for digestion.

Interaction with the GI Tract

• Digestive Process Steps:
  1. Mouth: Chewing, swallowing, and preventing choking via epiglottis.
  2. Esophagus: Food travels down, with the esophageal sphincter allowing passage to the stomach.
  3. Stomach: Produces digestive juices, holds and breaks down food.
  4. Small intestine: Continues digestion with juices from intestine, liver, and pancreas, absorbing nutrients and water.
  5. Large intestine: Converts waste into stool.
  6. Rectum: Stores stool until bowel movement.

Anatomy of the Stomach

Location

• Situated in the upper abdomen on the left side of the body.
• Connects to esophageal sphincter at the top and small intestine at the bottom.

Size

• Varies per person, expanding when full and deflating when empty.

Parts of the Stomach

• Cardia: Top part containing cardiac sphincter.
• Fundus: Rounded section below diaphragm.
• Body (Corpus): Largest section, contracts to mix food.
• Antrum: Holds food before passing to the small intestine.
• Pylorus: Bottom, includes pyloric sphincter controlling passage to small intestine.

Structure

• Mucosa: Inner lining with small ridges called rugae.
• Submucosa: Connective tissue with blood and lymph vessels.
• Muscularis externa: Main muscle layer for contraction.
• Serosa: Membrane covering.

Care and Health of the Stomach

Maintaining Stomach Health

• Moderate alcohol intake.
• Hydrate with at least 50 ounces of water daily.
• Consume 25-35 grams of fiber daily.
• Regular exercise and stress management.
• Avoid processed foods and quit smoking.

Medical Consultation

• Questions for a gastroenterologist include causes of symptoms, diagnostic tests, medications, and dietary changes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Symptoms warranting immediate care include chest pain, fever, nausea, blood in stool, severe dehydration, and intense abdominal pain.

Additional Information

• Regular check-ups and preventive screenings at Cleveland Clinic.
• For more detailed information, refer to the Cleveland Clinic Health Library.

Images:

• Stomach and Digestive System Illustration
• Cleveland Clinic doctor consulting a patient.

Reviewed Date: 09/10/2021

Resources:

• Health Library
• Editorial Policy